Man on Bradford's most wanted list caught in Puerto Rico

Juan Oquendo Jr. was on list for years

Posted: 4:24 PM, February 22, 2013Updated: 4:24 PM, February 22, 2013

Juan Oquendo Jr.

BRADFORD, Fla. - The Bradford County Sheriff's Office says it will charge a man who was on Bradford's most wanted list for sexual battery on someone older than 12 and two counts of sexual battery of a child younger than 12.

Officials said Juan Oquendo Jr. previously worked at Union Correctional Institute, but resigned and moved from Bradford County prior to an investigation being initiated.

One year after Oquendo left the state, victims came forward with the allegations, at which time retired Detective Lt. Kenny Hinds obtained the warrant for his arrest.

Oquendo has since been one of Bradford County's most wanted and appeared on the BCSO website for the past several years. Officials said his whereabouts were unknown until recently when BCSO received an email from the tip line on their website.

BCSO said Detective Lt. Gail Russell took over the case and confirmed the Oquendo's whereabouts with the tipster. He then coordinated with the FBI and authorities in Puerto Rico to detain the suspect and have him extradited back to Bradford County to face the charges.

Special agents with the FBI assisted with the transportation from Puerto Rico to an area airport where he was turned over to Detective Lieutenant Russell. Officials said Oquendo will be interviewed then placed in jail on $100,000 bond.

Copyright 2013 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.